By By BRUCE HIXON-Sports Editor
As Randy Denton watched the Little League Age 9-10 state tournament unfold last summer, he quickly drew a conclusion.
Denton's Brewton team was one of those squads that did not have the big stage experience last year, but this year it does.
Most of that roster has moved up an age level and will represent Brewton at the Little League Age 11 State Tournament. That event kicks off Saturday at Mayfair Park in Huntsville.
Brewton qualified for the state tournament when it won the District 5 Tournament played at Andalusia. Brewton beat Covington County in both of its district games, 2-0 in the first round and 12-2 for the championship.
Two games may or may not be enough for a team to establish an identity. For example, Brewton had just three hits and scored only two runs in its first district game against Covington County. In game two against Covington County, Brewton posted 12 runs on 11 hits.
Pitching may be Brewton's most established strength so far. Brewton pitchers Conner Denton and Collin Graves allowed just five hits and two runs in 11 innings of district work. Denton was especially dominant, as he struck 18 and allowed three hits in seven shutout innings at the district.
Time will soon answer whether or not 16 days between games for Brewton will be a problem.
While it is not their number one area of focus at this time, Denton pointed out his Brewton team will be a part of history at the state tournament.
Their immediate goal, of course, is to find a way to win games.